ABOUT PATHWAYS

Have you ever thought about becoming a surf lifesaver? Or perhaps you’re already a member and would like to know what other opportunities are available to you within the movement?

Each and every year, thousands of men, women and young adults across the state line up to patrol Queensland’s coastline, providing a vital community service and saving thousands of lives in the process.

However, off the beach and behind the scenes, there are literally hundreds of other jobs and opportunities available to those who aren’t confident in the water or don’t want to get their feet wet. Whether it’s a surf sports coach, a club treasurer, a BBQ coordinator or a junior activities age manager, there’s a role for everyone in surf life saving.

Importantly, becoming a surf lifesaver also offers many opportunities both within and outside of the movement.

There is an almost endless scope of lifesaving-related careers available to members, the likes of taking up a medical profession or joining the Defence Force or other emergency services, and many of these doors are opened and supported by the skills learnt during your time as a surf lifesaver.

The Pathways project is all about showcasing the opportunities that lifesaving opens up to all, regardless of age, gender, shape or size. We’ve used real volunteers to share real stories about their involvement within the movement – how it’s shaped them personally, and benefited them professionally.

Whether you’re a new member, current member or a lifesaver returning after a few years’ break, we encourage you to look through the countless opportunities that are available for you to pursue, both on and off the beach. It might just put you on the pathway to a place you never imagined.

ARE YOU A LIFESAVER?

If you are already involved in surf lifesaving, find new pathways based on your current role. If you are new to surf lifesaving, you can explore all the roles and opportunities available by choosing an area of interest.

Director of Surf Sports

Junior Club Captain

Youth & Membership Development Officer

Further Education roles

Assessor

Community Awareness Presenter

Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew

Inflatable Rescue Boat Driver

Lifeguard

Patrol Captain

Patrol Member – Advanced Resuscitation

Patrol Member – Pain Management

Trainer

Helicopter Crew

Take your lifesaving skills to new heights as a crewmember of Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service.

SLSQ’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service is manned by both full-time and volunteer crewmembers. This structure ensures a rich blend of experience across the service, while also providing a clear pathway for volunteer surf lifesavers to upskill and transfer their patrol experience from the beach to the sky. Helicopter crewmembers are highly-trained, qualified and motivated members of the surf lifesaving movement. Helicopter crew can be both part-time or full-time, depending on the requirements of the service and the individual.

Crewmembers actively and regularly participate in helicopter patrols along South East Queensland’s coastline, monitoring for swimmers in distress and/or other incidents unfolding on the beach. All crewmembers are proficient in surf jump/static line and basic down-the-wire hoist operations. This ensures they play a key role in helicopter rescues, entering the water to directly assist swimmers in need.

"It’s not just joining a club, it’s joining a lifestyle. It can take you so many places."

ANDREW - HELI CREW

Requirements

Anyone applying for a casual crew position, as an aircrew person or rescue crew person with the helicopter service must:

Be a financial member of a Surf Life Saving Club

Be recommended by the club for duties on the helicopter

Hold a current SLSA Bronze Medallion (or higher)

Have completed a minimum of three (3) years patrol service or be approved by the Chief Pilot and helicopter advisor

Be a minimum of 21 years of age at the date of application

Have an acceptable body weight

Hold a current Senior First Aid certificate or equivalent

Hold a current Advanced Resuscitation Techniques certificate

Hold a current open driver’s licence

Hold an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Drivers Licence

Provide an initial medical certificate of fitness similar to the criteria of the certificate required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for a student pilot licence

Be able to pass the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service fitness test.

The crew fitness test applies to all helicopter crew personnel (except pilots and specialist crew where the role does not require them to enter the water).

Total time: the test must be completed in entirety within a 2 hour window.

Testing is undertaken on initial application and at least one test every six (6) months (individual crew members may be tested at any time) or after a serious illness or injury has occurred.

Training

Crew members undertake extensive training to prepare them for the rigours of the role. The aim of all training is to provide applicants with the skills and awareness to effectively perform their roles and responsibilities while operating in the capacity of a helicopter crew member.